Sunday, April 5, 2009

Hosanna in light

Today as it was hosanna we went to church early than usual time.I love this day because the church become colorful and beautiful than usual.

Hosanna begins with a ceremonial procession around the church, with people holding the palm leaves and singing hosanna forms the highlight of the day’s ceremony. During this procession the children spread flowers on the way making the ceremony more enchanting.This procession is done sticking onto the belief of the royal celebration held for Jesus who was moving to Jerusalem on his donkey back.

Usually the hosanna celebration begins at the break of dawn for the children who run to collect the best of flowers from their garden in the hope to spread it in church for the arrival of Jesus.Palm Sunday is also called Kurutholapperunnal in my place.We use tender coconut palm leaves for hosanna may be due to its availability in plenty.I like its bright greenish shade very much.Have you seen one? Don’t they look fresh and marvelous?

I know that was a beautiful ceremony, Susan. I love Palm Sunday and Holy Week. We processed around the church today --also carrying Palm fronds. It is truly a day of celebration.

In a former church, we were all given Palm Crosses to wear... AND--one year they portrayed Jesus coming into Jerusalem on a donkey... Talk about goose bumpgs.

This week we will have several services: Stations of the Cross, Tenebrae, Maundy Thurs., Good Friday and Holy Sat. It is a glorious week. I don't understand how people can celebrate Easter without going through Holy Week first.